Our Ocala Criminal Defense Attorneys Fight Against Charges of Sex Crimes
PORNOGRAPHY AND SEXUAL CRIMES IN FLORIDA
Criminal Defense Attorneys Alavi and Pozzuto have over 55 years combined experience in Federal & State criminal defense cases and we provide aggressive defense for clients being investigated, prosecuted, or held for sexually related crimes. If you are facing serious criminal charges and a potentially life altering conviction, consult with a Florida Criminal Defense lawyer who understands the challenging and complicated State and Federal Court systems. Our attorneys have handled tough solutions with State and Federal prosecutors and have the patient dedication to provide solid and practical advice throughout your case.
THE STAKES ARE VERY HIGH IN FEDERAL COURT
When facing a pornography or sex crime charge, it is good to have a defense attorney with federal criminal court experience. We have a proven track record representing clients facing an ongoing investigation by federal authorities and those facing criminal charges in federal court.
Florida’s obscenity laws, codified in F.S. 847, cover offenses that relate to pornography and improper contact or relations with minors that do not involve physical touching. A defendant’s ignorance of a minor’s age is not a valid defense. Chapter 847.0135 obscenity law covers computer pornography and traveling to meet a minor. The traveling statutes are the most recognizable but there are other areas that are covered including:
- Selling pornography to minors
- Showing pornography to minors
- Pornography crimes such as, transmitting porn to a minor, showing a pornographic video of yourself to a minor, traveling to meet a minor for sexual purpose, trying to meet a minor a minor for sexual purpose in a chat room, or possessing child pornography, buying or selling a minor for a sexual purpose
Note: If for any reason you believed that the person was over 18 and it turns out they are not, you can still be prosecuted. These are all crimes covered in the Florida’s obscenity laws and some crimes are more aggressively prosecuted than others however, all charges can result in incarceration without the proper legal representation.
PENALTIES YOU CAN FACE IF CONVICTED OF CRIMES IN THE OBSCENITY STATUTES
Fines: Fines for violating one of the obscenity laws can range from $1000 to $10,000 per count.
Probation: Probation involves reporting to a probation officer once a month to report your progress through your punishment. If your crimes involve a minor there will most likely be restrictions on where you can live, work, or visit. If your crimes involved a computer restriction will be placed on your use for the term of your probation. The probation period can range from one year to 15 years per count depending on the crime you are found to have committed.
Jail: Offenders are put in jail while your case is pending if you are unable to post bond. If found guilty and sentenced to less than a year of jail you will serve your sentence at the county jail.
Community Control: You are allowed home with a device letting the community control officer know where you are at all times. If you leave your residence without approval it is a violation and you can face jail or prison.
Prison: For offenders who are sentenced to jail that is longer than one year. If you are sentenced to prison there is no guarantee you will be sent to a facility that is close to your home, which can be difficult for friends or family to see you for visitations.
Criminal Registration: If convicted of a crime that requires registration, which is the case when minors are involved, you will have to register the residential address you live at for the rest of your life, with the local sheriff office, and failure to do so is a felony offense that may be punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Florida has laws which govern obscenity in all types including art, phones, computers, live performance, and movies.
WHAT DO I DO IF ARRESTED ON PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES?
Do not answer any questions and ask to speak to your lawyer. Do not make any statements to the officer. Anything that you say will be used against you so remain silent and call an experienced attorney right away to protect your rights.
CONTACT FEDERAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS AT THE AP LAW GROUP
It is extremely important to consult with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you discover that you are under investigation for a state or federal criminal charge. Contact criminal defense lawyers Alavi and Pozzuto in Ocala or Gainesville and surrounding areas at 352-732-9191.